Stop spreading false messages

Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 10:10 p.m.

Dear Editor: Approximately 100 years ago, my elderly grandfather was cheated out of his Missouri farm and life savings by a scam artist.

Fifty-five years ago, shortly before he died, my father lost his meager savings to a scam artist. I believe few people in the world are worse than those leaches and parasites who cheat others, especially old people, out of their savings.

The people who lie and scare old people are equal to those who cheat folks out of money. First, we had the lies that President Barack Obama

was a Muslim. Then, there was the lie that he was not a U.S. citizen. Now, we are hearing about 'death panels' who will to decide when to pull the plug on grandma. This last assertion is so asinine it is difficult to even address it. The issue seems to have originated with the idea of counseling older Americans about end-of-life issues, such as living wills and health-care powers of attorney. Many people, including my wife and I, think this is a good idea and we have legal documents in place.

To their credit, a number of advertisers have 'pulled the plug' on Fox News hate figure Glen Beck, who is helping spread these lies. It is disgusting how many Republicans have joined the effort to scare the elderly with these falsehoods. The people who should know better but still spread this garbage on the Internet and letters to the editor are no better than Beck and his Republican cohorts.

<p>Dear Editor: Approximately 100 years ago, my elderly grandfather was cheated out of his Missouri farm and life savings by a scam artist.</p><p>Fifty-five years ago, shortly before he died, my father lost his meager savings to a scam artist. I believe few people in the world are worse than those leaches and parasites who cheat others, especially old people, out of their savings.</p><p>The people who lie and scare old people are equal to those who cheat folks out of money. First, we had the lies that President Barack Obama</p><p>was a Muslim. Then, there was the lie that he was not a U.S. citizen. Now, we are hearing about 'death panels' who will to decide when to pull the plug on grandma. This last assertion is so asinine it is difficult to even address it. The issue seems to have originated with the idea of counseling older Americans about end-of-life issues, such as living wills and health-care powers of attorney. Many people, including my wife and I, think this is a good idea and we have legal documents in place. </p><p>To their credit, a number of advertisers have 'pulled the plug' on Fox News hate figure Glen Beck, who is helping spread these lies. It is disgusting how many Republicans have joined the effort to scare the elderly with these falsehoods. The people who should know better but still spread this garbage on the Internet and letters to the editor are no better than Beck and his Republican cohorts.</p><p> </p><p>Carl L. Hess</p><p>Ozark</p>